Aston Villa are reportedly closing in on an agreement to sign Taylor Harwood-Bellis after continuing negotiations with Southampton following the rejection of their opening bid.
Villa offered £18million plus add-ons for the England international on Thursday as Unai Emery stepped up his search for an Ezri Konsa replacement.
Southampton rejected that proposal, but the setback has not ended negotiations.
TEAMtalk now reports that Villa and Southampton are close to reaching an agreement, with a potential package worth up to £25million including add-ons being discussed.
Personal terms have also been discussed with Harwood-Bellis, who is said to be receptive to joining Villa.
Aston Villa close in on Taylor Harwood-Bellis
The development represents significant progress in less than 24 hours.
Southampton had been holding out for a larger fee, but negotiations continued overnight and Villa are now described as being in pole position.
TEAMtalk reports that Harwood-Bellis has emerged as Villa’s preferred solution at centre-back and that the club are encouraged a deal can be completed.
The 24-year-old would arrive following the departure of Konsa.
Villa completed Konsa’s £55million move to Arsenal on Friday morning, leaving Emery needing another established central defender before the transfer window closes.
Villa have considered several alternatives, including Fikayo Tomori and Tosin Adarabioyo, but their concrete pursuit of Harwood-Bellis has now progressed furthest.
He offers Premier League experience, has captained Southampton and has already been capped by England.
The structure of the final agreement still needs to be settled and no deal has yet been completed.
Villa’s position, however, has changed considerably since Thursday’s rejection.
After seeing their first proposal turned down, they are now working towards an agreement worth potentially £25million that could make Harwood-Bellis the player entrusted with helping replace Konsa at Villa Park.
